Tenra couldn't help noticing it—the [Codex of Divinitas et Diabolus] was becoming more and more like the "System" forged by the Biblical God. Every new ability seemed to align perfectly with the meaning he'd woven into it.
As his one and only self-created Sacred Gear, Tenra had once assumed its powers were random, chaotic, and beyond his control. But now? The pattern was unmistakable.
He didn't have enough data to be certain, but a theory was forming. If he was right, then someday he might be able to create Sacred Gears of truly world-shattering power.
Just like the Biblical God.
Maybe… even greater than him.
The thought was thrilling, but Tenra pushed it aside for now. There were more immediate concerns.
Susan—the girl he'd met yesterday—had been thoroughly indoctrinated. She'd gone from a shallow follower, liable to "disconnect" at any moment, to a true believer.
He had to admit, being a "god" made things absurdly easy. If Susan hadn't defined him as divine from the start, his psychological manipulation would never have worked so smoothly.
Tenra's lips curled in satisfaction. He'd already devised a new method to deepen his followers' faith…
In his bedroom, Raynare was still sprawled in exhausted sleep. Tenra sat at his desk, pen scratching across the pages of the [Codex of Divinitas et Diabolus].
The scripture was already complete, but last night's events had sparked new ideas—refinements, improvements—so he added them in without hesitation.
Perfection was a moving target. Stagnation was death. Even his "brainwashing manual" needed constant evolution.
Queen Undine stood quietly at his side, her eyes clear as spring water, reflecting traces of admiration.
Powerful, but never arrogant. Ambitious, but not reckless. Maybe, just maybe, her master really could ascend to the highest throne…
The only sound was Tenra's pen on paper. After a long while, he set the pen down, nodded to himself, and was about to speak when a girl's voice came from outside the door:
"Tenra-sama."
Queen Undine dissolved into shimmering light, merging into Tenra's body as he stood and opened the door.
"Where are Yubelluna and Tosca?" he asked, narrowing his eyes at the girl waiting in the hall—Mihae.
"They went to their rooms to rest," she answered softly, cheeks flushed.
"So you're here to keep me company tonight?"
Tenra lifted her chin, eyes glinting with amusement.
"Mm…" Mihae closed her eyes, hands trembling. She always knew she'd eventually offer herself to Tenra, but now that the moment had come, embarrassment flooded her.
Tenra smiled, then swept her into his arms and carried her inside.
As both his Bishop and his gentle Yamato Nadeshiko, Mihae was always thoughtful, always caring for everyone. In the Underworld, she'd risked her life to save her sisters from Diodora's schemes.
Tenra had planned to give her more time after returning to the human world, but since she'd come to him willingly, he saw no reason to wait…
Morning, the next day.
"Lord, please forgive my sins. Guide me to the light…"
Aisha knelt before Tenra, hands pressed to her chest, praying with pure devotion. Confession and purification were her daily rituals.
She radiated sanctity—an angel in human form.
"Aisha, you don't really have to do this," Tenra said, a little sheepish.
"Tenra-san, please! Prayer and confession are sacred. Don't interrupt!" she scolded, shooting him a reproachful glance before resuming her prayers. Only after several more minutes did Aisha finally rise.
"Sorry to keep everyone waiting. Let's head to school, Tenra-san—everyone!" she said brightly.
"Ugh… lunch box… lunch box…" Gasper mumbled, clutching his flat chest.
"Hehe…" Yubelluna and the other girls exchanged amused glances.
Just moments ago, Aisha had been the picture of piety. Now she was back to her cheerful, everyday self—the transformation so abrupt it left the others speechless.
Aisha somehow balanced two worlds: she saw Tenra as both her god and her friend, her lord and her family. It was a paradox she managed with perfect grace. Even Tenra couldn't help but marvel—
What an extraordinary girl.
It had been a while since they'd gone to school, thanks to the drama with Rias in the Underworld. Tenra and the girls left the house together, chatting and laughing, only to bump into Issei Hyoudou on his way to class.
"Issei-kun?"
Tenra and the girls stared in shock.
Issei had always been a bit of a lecher, but at least he'd looked lively. Now, after just a few days, he was thin as a rail, his eyes hollow. If he jumped out from behind a bush, he'd scare someone half to death.
"Ah… Tenra…" Issei muttered, his voice lifeless. He barely glanced at the group before shuffling away, shoulders hunched.
"Ugh… he's scary…" Gasper whimpered, hugging himself.
"Is Hyoudou-san okay? I sense something… evil around him," Aisha said, frowning in concern.
Thanks to Tenra's presence, Aisha had barely interacted with Issei. She'd heard stories about him and kept her distance. Still, her pure heart couldn't ignore the dark aura clinging to him.
"Hehehe… That's a curse I put on him, at Master's command," Raynare said, her tone wicked.
"A curse?" Gasper, Aisha, and the other girls all looked at Raynare and Tenra in confusion.
Tenra shrugged and explained: the trio of perverts had spied on the kendo club girls, so he'd asked Raynare to curse them.
"They lost interest in girls… and now they like boys instead?!"
"Hehe… Tenra-sama, you're so mischievous!"
"Hmph! Serves those creeps right. Always harassing girls—they deserve it!"
The girls were shocked, maybe a little grossed out, but none of them thought Tenra had done anything wrong. If anything, those perverts got what was coming to them.
Even Aisha, sweet and innocent as she was, looked relieved.
So that was Tenra-san's curse on Hyoudou-san.
She gazed after Issei's retreating figure, then pressed her hands together in prayer, her voice gentle and sincere:
"Hyoudou-san, all the suffering you're enduring is the Lord's trial—a chance for redemption. Stay strong. Your life still holds hope…"
To be continued…
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